The source is TribalFootball, a shaky rumour-mongering site, but always entertaining reading.

"In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Benitez said: "You need one very defensive player, strong and hard. Serginho wouldn't be right and neither would Marek Jankulowski be ideal, while Kakha Kaladze lacks speed. I spoke about this with Ferguson and we are of the same opinion.

"If (Paolo) Maldini has recovered his speed, he is the best solution."

Rafa prefers Milan due to the emotion the match would generate. Perhaps he believes AC are weaker now than in 2005, or simply that they'll crack under the psychological scars 2005 left on them?

The source is TribalFootball, a shaky rumour-mongering site, but always entertaining reading.

"In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Benitez said: "You need one very defensive player, strong and hard. Serginho wouldn't be right and neither would Marek Jankulowski be ideal, while Kakha Kaladze lacks speed. I spoke about this with Ferguson and we are of the same opinion.

"If (Paolo) Maldini has recovered his speed, he is the best solution."

Rafa prefers Milan due to the emotion the match would generate. Perhaps he believes AC are weaker now than in 2005, or simply that they'll crack under the psychological scars 2005 left on them?

Has Fletch ever played fullback, particularly left fb?
Kieran Richardson might have, but they can always rope in Cathcart or one of the other reserve players.

Brown and O'Shea can play in the centre and at right back, with the Heinze also adept at left back and centre half.

It'll be trouble is Ferguson or Richo has to play in the backline. I wonder if they can recall Phil Bardsley- or has he been transferred, not loaned?

Bardsley is on loan but I don't even know if he can be recalled.A better prospect if we were going to recall anyone would be Johnny Evans who is at Sunderland and has been in outstanding form.Fletcher has played full back against Watford and Sheff Utd but its not ideal.

The back four is going to find it extremely difficult to contain the Italians. Fergie is right, the best defence is to attack and hope for a Roma type scoreline - the whole team were just 'in the zone' that day and I don't think they'll replicate that anytime soon. I think the best is to hope that we don't concede too many goals before we get a few more defenders back for the away leg.